Edenderry links with New York to be explored at lecture

History buffs of all ages are strongly encouraged to attend a very informative event in Edenderry Parish Centre on Tuesday night next, August 2, at which the strong links between Edenderry and the wider Offaly area with New York will be explored.

The two men behind the unique collaboration are Danny Leavy from Rhode, who has been living in New York for many years, and local historian, Dr Ciaran J. Reilly, who will tell the story of Cornelius Heeney who was born in Edenderry in 1754 and emigrated to America at the age of 30 having worked in Fullards Brewery in the town from the tender age of 10.

After arriving in America in 1784, Heeney amassed a huge fortune and it was the people of New York who would benefit from this. During his remarkable life he served five terms as a member of the New York State Assembly 1818-22, and was a benefactor for the building of St James & St Paul's in Brooklyn; St Peter's and Old St Patrick's in New York, as well as the first Orphan Asylum in New York and in Brooklyn.

Throughout this period Heeney was at the centre of Irish Catholic America, and was responsible for bringing many Offaly natives to the USA. The charitable deeds began by Cornelius Heeney in the 19th century still continue to this day, and both Danny Leavy and Dr Reilly are very anxious to explore the many links between the town of Edenderry, and further afield, with the life and times of Cornelius Heeney.

Plans are also in place to mark the life and achievements of Cornelius Heeney in the town of Edenderry which will be done before the end of 2022.

Dr. Reilly told the Offaly Independent this week that one of the most interesting aspects of next Tuesday night’s talk, which is being held under the auspices of Edenderry Historial Society, will be the return of a small selection of archives to Ireland for the first time, thanks to the Brooklyn Benevolent Society, which owns the collection.

“Many of the documents were generated in Edenderry and are about the people of the town and surrounding areas, stretching as far as Tullamore,” explains Dr Reilly, “and they include details of a major court case from the 1850s where two imposters tried to pose as relatives of Cornelius Heeney and tried to challenge the contents of his will, as he had donated all of his fortune to charitable causes.” Dr Reilly says the archives contain a great deal of fascinating material linking Edenderry and the wider Offaly area to the Cornelius Heeney, and will only be available in Edenderry for a short period before they are returned to the Brooklyn Benevolent Society in New York.

“This lecture will appeal to history students as well as the general public, not just from Edenderry, but from all around the county, who have an interest in local history, so we are hoping for a good turnout,” says Dr. Reilly.

The talk takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday night next, August 2, in Edenderry Parish Centre, and all are welcome.